The music dork in me can’t help but think of Rush’s “2112” album when I think of the two Hibikis I’ve had. Get it? 21yr. 12yr.

Whatever, now I can’t get “Temple of Syrinx” out of my head. And now, you won’t be able to either… Haha.

So, what does the latter half of Rush’s epic… I mean, what does the Hibiki 12yr smell & taste like? It’s like this:

On the nose — Plumes of plums and the wine thereof.

Some honey, honey.

Lemons & lemon custard.

Just now my 2yr old daughter asked to smell this whisky and I asked what she smelled and without any hints or hesitation she said – LEMONS!

Actually, she screamed it.

Reminiscent of a few bourbons I’ve had with a high sweet note I often associate with new charred oak barrels.

Sassafras leaves & black licorice.

On the mouth — Chewy mouthfeel.

A slight touch of savory spices — too many to name; a good mix.

Grain is evident but so is the malt.

Oak & more plum wine notes.

Slivovitz (plum brandy), however, the note is slight.

New oak leaf buds (…the smell of. And yes, I have smelled them).

Finish — The finish has a grainy sweetness that remains for a good bit.

In sum — Nicely balanced blend that is better to enjoy rather than deconstruct. I review one to three whiskies almost every day and I can say that I reach for this one when I’m tired of reviewing. An every day dram at a decent price. Perfect for dropping it all, letting it go and enjoying the here and now.